Community support was overwhelming for the “Rally for Aiden” campaign that took place in Summerland at the end of the summer in support of Aiden Byrnell.

Aiden’s dad is Steve Byrnell, a Local 258 member working for Rokstad Power. Steve and his wife Faye were faced with one of the most difficult situations a young family could ever find themselves in when their nine-year old son Aiden was diagnosed with a serious brain cancer this summer. Steve and Faye were staying in Vancouver so they could be at their son’s bedside at Children’s Hospital since they received the diagnosis in July.

Local 258 ABM Dan Klassen, who happened to be visiting family in Summerland, found out about the community event and attended the fundraiser that took place at the Summerland Arena at the end of September.

“The community support for the Byrnells was amazing”, said Brother Klassen. “So many people attended the fundraiser, donated items for the silent auction and raffles and made donations. All the monies raised went to the Byrnell family to help cover their living costs while in Vancouver with their seriously ill son.”

Organized by family friends and IBEW members from the local community, the event raised about $20,000.

Local 258 would like to express our condolences to the entire Byrnell family as news of Aiden’s passing on October 6, 2013 reached the union office just as the Hotline was heading to press.